My thoughts on Chinese New Year.
Most of the world follows the standard Gregorian calendar, a 12-month solar calendar which begins on the 1st of January. However, the Chinese have their own New Year, with its own customs and dates.
Chinese New Year is a 15-day-long celebration that begins on the first new moon (when the moon is not visible) after the winter solstice (December 21st). Therefore, the days of Chinese New Year vary slightly year by year. As a kid, I found it really interesting thatChinese New Year fell on different dates from the New Year I was used to. Sometimes, it isn’t even in January!
The holiday is a big deal in China and in Chinese communities worldwide. I currently live in Thailand, a country where there’s a significant Chinese population, and around this time of year, you know that it’s Chinese New Year. There are lanterns everywhere. Malls have giant dragon decorations. Some stores even close for a few days.
One of the most interesting things about the Chinese New Year is the 12-animals that are associated with it. Every year in a 12-year cycle is associated with a particular animal. I was born in 2003, so I was born in the Year of the Sheep. I wish I’d gotten the Year of the Dragon, I’d even settle for Year of the Tiger, but ah-well.
It’s very common for people to receive lots of money during Chinese New Year, usually in red envelopes. In high school, one of my Chinese classmates said that she got upwards of 10K Kenya Shillings during Chinese New Year, and some people get much, much more. Can we make that a tradition for January 1st New Year’s as well? Please?
From the parades and lanterns, the myths and legends, the food and fireworks, Chinese New Year is a special celebration and a way for Chinese families and friends to come together. I think different cultures could use similar celebrations. I’ve said that we need more unique holidays. So yeah, even though I’m not Chinese, I think Chinese New Year is pretty cool.